The celebration of literacy event is taking place during Maine’s Read to ME Challenge, which began Feb. 2 and runs until March 2. That monthlong campaign, sponsored by the Maine Department of Education, challenges adults to read to or with children for 15 minutes, then capture that reading episode via a photo or video and post it on social media to challenge others to do the same.

For the past three years, the Lyman Moore school community has accepted the Challenge and devoted the entire day to literacy. In the morning, Lyman Moore will welcome local writer, Gary Urey, author of the popular Super Schnoz series, which is about a preteen boy whose big nose has super-hero capabilities. Urey has graciously volunteered to be the school’s guest author. Also in attendance will be Hard Dash, a local roller derby team captain.

In addition, one student from each grade level will be selected to take on the Challenge and read from the first to the last bell. Throughout the day, the school will have special guest readers reading aloud. They will include family members, community members and students from around the world sharing stories in their native languages.

Reading aloud to children is one of the most cost effective and highly beneficial methods of building children’s literate abilities. Portland’s public schools are participating in the Challenge and encourage families to also join in. Learn more at www.maine.gov/doe/readtome/